Ganim Doesn't Deserve To Get Law License Back

EditorialThe Hartford Courant

This one should not trouble the state Supreme Court more than a few minutes. Former Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim asked the justices this week to reverse a panel of judges who declined to reinstate Mr. Ganim's law license. The justices should just say no.

Mr. Ganim was one of the state's most corrupt mayors in living memory. With two confederates, he ran a racketeering conspiracy that extorted at least $800,000 in cash, goods and services from developers or contractors who tried to work in Bridgeport. Mr. Ganim was caught after a five-year crime spree, convicted on 16 felony counts — racketeering, extortion, mail fraud, bribery and others — and sentenced to nine years in prison. He served seven years.

He was a lawyer before becoming mayor, and since his release from prison has tried to get his law license reinstated.

Connecticut allows lawyers who've been suspended or disbarred to apply for readmission after a certain time period. They must show that they are "presently fit" to practice law and be trusted with the affairs of clients. This generally includes a showing of remorse and rehabilitation, and good moral character.

Mr. Ganim has never shown remorse for his egregious conduct; he has never, despite considerable evidence to the contrary, acknowledged personal misconduct. He didn't appear at the Supreme Court hearing this week. The court cannot give a thief a license to steal, and that is the risk without some showing that Mr. Ganim is morally fit to practice law. Lacking that, the court has no choice but to support the three-judge panel's decision not to reinstate his license.